Microsoft Patent Licensing Agreements With Automotive Technology Firms for exFAT

Microsoft Corp. announced patent licensing agreements with automotive technology companies Audiovox, Continental, Harman and LG Automotive for the use of its Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) file system.

The capabilities of exFAT technology allow automotive technology companies to meet increasing consumer demand for connected cars that let drivers and passengers transport media between all their favorite devices – even their automobiles.

exFAT is the modern file system of choice due to its ability to facilitate large files for audiovisual media and enable seamless data portability between electronic devices. According to a report from Accenture, the in-vehicle infotainment and telematics global market is predicted to exceed $80 billion by 2014. exFAT supports the high-capacity SDXC memory card standard, which is increasingly used for music, pictures, videos and maps for navigation systems and USB-based storage devices.

"The exchange of intellectual property makes it possible for companies to bring great ideas to market quickly, and keep pace with customer demand," said David Kaefer, GM of intellectual property licensing, Microsoft. "We believe collaborative licensing brings the best value to consumers."

Tuxera Inc. works with the automotive industry to implement and support exFAT technology across a range of in-vehicle products that require reliable file system solutions. The company understands the importance of increased in-vehicle entertainment in today’s automotive market.

"Connectivity is a critical component of in-car infotainment, and exFAT technology is the glue that makes it possible," said Viet-Anh Le, Tuxera’s automotive business manager. "Licensing exFAT ensures consumers will experience the best possible interoperability with next-generation infotainment solutions."

Microsoft previously announced a similar exFAT licensing agreement with BMW, as well as with companies in a variety of other industries including Aspen Avionics, Panasonic Corp., Research In Motion, Sanyo Electric company Ltd., Sony Corp. and Canon Inc.